Kate Middleton got engaged with a beautiful blue sapphire ring. Did you know that you could incorporate this beautiful stone into your life with blue sapphire beads, cut stones or even cabochons? We take a look at these royal blue gems.

Just as rubies from across the globe occur in various shades of red so also they are cut in a dazzling array of shapes and styles. Ruby beads are faceted, smooth, cut as roundels or tubes. There are also ruby carvings and briolettes. In this article we will examine all the different types of fashioning for this versatile gemstone and also impart advice on what quality parameters to look for while purchasing these gems.

Rubies have been used in fine jewelry since ancient times. Rajas and royalty have adorned themselves with spectacular cabochons and cut stones evidence of which can be witnessed even now in the Crown jewels of many states. However you do not have to belong to royalty or peerage to own these beautiful gems. These stones can be bought by anyone who fancies these red beauties at retail or online. This article takes a look at all there is to know about the king of gemstones. And gives some tips as to how you can add these gems to your jewelry collection.